Exploring How Teachers Learn: Shaping Professional Development for Lasting Change

Teaching is both a science and an art, rooted in pedagogy, practice, and human connection. Yet, as education systems evolve and societal needs change, one question remains: How do teachers learn, and how can this learning translate into meaningful change in the classroom? The answers to these questions are not only vital to educators but also to the policymakers, administrators, and trainers shaping their professional journeys.


The Current State of Teacher Development in Europe

Across Europe, educators are facing increasing pressures. From integrating technology into the classroom to addressing diverse student needs, teachers must continually adapt. However, research and data from recent years reveal a persistent challenge: professional development opportunities often fail to translate into tangible improvements in teaching practices. The gap between theory and implementation remains wide.

A 2024 study on teacher training in Europe highlighted that while many educators attend in-service training, fewer than half reported significant changes to their classroom practices as a result. Teachers often cite a lack of relevance, insufficient follow-up support, and a disconnect between training content and their day-to-day realities. Moreover, pedagogical beliefs and local community dynamics play a critical role in how new practices are adopted, yet these factors are rarely addressed in training programs.

Bridging the Gap: The European Schoolnet Academy Thematic Seminar 2025

The European Schoolnet Academy is committed to addressing these challenges. This year's 5th Thematic Seminar focuses on exploring how teachers learn to shape more effective professional development programs. Through a blend of research, expert insights, and real-world examples, the seminar aims to equip participants with the knowledge and strategies needed to bridge the gap between learning and implementation.

This seminar is built around two dynamic webinars, each designed to offer unique perspectives:

Webinar 1: Why Understanding Teacher Learning Matters

Date: Monday, 24 February 2025, 16:00-17:30 CET

Speaker: Kay Livingston, Professor of Educational Research, Policy and Practice, University of Glasgow

In this session, participants will explore the key factors shaping teacher learning through the lens of research and practice. What do teacher educators need to know about how teachers learn? How does context, community, and technology influence teacher learning and development, and what are the implications for designing effective professional development programs? Drawing on decades of research, Professor Livingston will share strategies for creating impactful training activities tailored to the diverse needs of educators.

Webinar 2: How Research on Teacher Learning Inspires New Approaches to Professional Development Across Europe

Date: Tuesday, 25 February 2025, 16:00-17:30 CET

 Jo Tondeur                                         Kairit Tammets                                 Maria Chiara Pettenti

                                       Vrije Universiteit Brussel                              Tallinn University                                            Indire, Italy

 

This panel discussion brings together experts and practitioners from across Europe who have experimented with integrating research findings into their teacher training programs. Participants will gain insights into practical examples and strategies that have contributed to the evolution of educational practices, with plenty of opportunities for engagement and dialogue.

Why Join This Seminar?
This thematic seminar is your chance to join a community dedicated to transforming teacher development across Europe. Gain valuable insights into how educators learn, explore strategies to design impactful training programs, and access the accompanying research-based report, "Exploring How Teachers Learn to Shape Effective Professional Development," featuring theoretical insights, practical strategies, and case studies. By participating, you'll not only enhance your understanding but also contribute to a larger movement aimed at reshaping professional development in education.

JOIN US

 

  • Meet our speakers

    Kay Livingston

    Kay Livingston is Professor of Educational Research, Policy and Practice at the School of Education, University of Glasgow. She has worked in the field of teacher education for 30 years. She also worked in the policy context for 5 years as Director of International, Research and Innovation in Learning and Teaching Scotland/Education Scotland (Scottish Government Agency supporting quality and improvement in education). She works closely with and advises policymakers, teachers and key educational stakeholders at international, national and local levels. She was a member of the European Commission's Education and Training Strategic Working Group on Schools and she continues to work as an expert on European Commission and European Schoolnet projects. She has been a Chair and member of International Scientific Advisory Boards and Chair of an International Educational Sciences Evaluation Panel. She was a member of the Association for Teacher Education in Europe's Administrative Council, Chair of their Research and Development Community on the Professional Development of Teachers and Editor of the European Journal of Teacher Education. Her areas of research expertise include: teacher education, professional development, leadership and mentoring; teacher and school leader career frameworks; innovation in teaching and learning; and digital literacies. She is a regular keynote speaker at international conferences and webinars and author of books, book chapters and journal articles. Recent book publications include: Livingston, K. O'Sullivan C. & Attard, K. (2024), Characterisitcs and Conditions for Innovative Teachers:International Perspectives and Ling, L. & Livingston, K. (2024) Universities in times of crisis and disruption: Dislocated Complexity. Both published by Routledge.

    Jo Tondeur

    Jo Tondeur is Professor at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. His research is situated within the field of instructional design, professional development and educational innovation. Most of his research focuses on the integrated use of digital technologies in compulsory education and online and blended learning in Higher education

    Kairit Tammets

    Kairit Tammets is a Professor of Technology-Enhanced Learning at Tallinn University whose research focuses on teacher professional learning in technology-enhanced learning environments. With extensive experience in designing and implementing professional development programs, Kairit Tammets specializes in fostering social learning practices to promote the adoption of innovative teaching methods. As the Scientific Coordinator of the EU-funded EffecTive project, Kairit leads innovative research into how carefully designed training programs can enhance teachers' situation-specific skills and pedagogical digital competence. Her work emphasizes the importance of scaffolding, reflection, and the situated nature of professional learning in professional learning settings. In addition to collaborating with schools and policymakers to shape sustainable professional learning models, Kairit is an experienced teacher trainer, guiding teachers, researchers, and trainers to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Kairit holds a PhD in Educational Science with a focus on technology-enhanced learning and has contributed to several European projects, publications, and conferences in the fields of education and technology.

    Maria Chiara

    Maria Chiara Pettenati is a distinguished expert in teacher training and sustainability education. She leads national projects focused on supporting induction and continuous professional development of teachers across Italy. Throughout her career, Maria Chiara has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing teacher education and promoting sustainable development principles in education. As Research Director at Indire, the National Institute for Documentation, Innovation, and Educational Research in Florence, she leads national projects focused on supporting induction and continuous professional development of teachers across Italy. Maria Chiara also serves as co-coordinator of the working groups for Goal 4 and Target 4.7 at ASviS (Italian Alliance for Sustainable Development), where she actively contributes to national strategies for achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

     

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